THE POWAY RODEO’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT SEPT. 22-23 PROMISES TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER

This year’s rodeo provides more ways to enjoy the excitement than ever before, including big-screen video, VIP seating, and special activities just for kids

Story and photos courtesy of Poway Rodeo

September 11, 2023 (Poway) -- The Poway Rodeo returns for its 50^th year of bringing the very best in action-packed entertainment to its centrally located north San Diego location. This year’s rodeo promises more ways than ever before to enjoy all the excitement, with big-screen video projection, VIP seating opportunities, and special adventures for even the youngest cowpokes.

Visitors can choose from three performances: one on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., and two on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. VIP ticketholders enjoy exclusive extras like preferred seating, excellent arena views, personal service, and included food and drinks.

“The Rodeo Committee is delighted to bring the rodeo to Poway,” says Murray Bankhead, Committee Vice-Chair. “We’ve added so many new, exciting events and attractions for our fans and competitors alike. For example, this year we are bringing back women’s breakaway roping. Along with women’s barrel racing, these events especially for women will bring some of the top contenders from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.”

Photo, right, by Kristina Ramirez

“Partnering with generous support from RAM, Poway Pedder Crysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Walmart, Monster Energy, and Summit Electric, the Rodeo Committee is more than ready to welcome back to Poway both the greatest competitors and the greatest fans in the sport of rodeo,” added Bankhead.

Kids will love to try their hand at mutton-busting or junior-level barrel racing. And this year, Saturday afternoon’s performance offers special events especially for families, such as child’s admission (age 12 and under) for only $1, themed “Kid’s Buck Day” with a kid-friendly Kid’s Corral “VIP” seating (including lunch and a personal visit with the Rodeo Queens and cowboys), crafts, face painting, a photo booth with props, inflatables, and more.

Fans are also encouraged to come early to the Saturday afternoon performance for the Sam’s Posse Round-up Rodeo, free of charge. Sam’s Posse is a local charitable organization that enriches the lives of children living with intellectual and physical disabilities. The Round-Up Rodeo competition begins at 10:00 a.m. before the Poway Rodeo begins at 1:00 p.m.

Adults over 21 who attend the Friday and Saturday evening performances can stay to enjoy a free rodeo dance featuring live music from the Patrick Howard Trampus Band, a Poway Rodeo-favorite.

“The Poway Rodeo is a PRCA-sanctioned event and draws the biggest names in the sport,” explains Rodeo Chairman Murray Bankhead. “As in past years, the Poway Rodeo is part of the Southern California Rough Stock Series. Rough stock contestants who compete in all seven Series rodeos will be eligible for bonus money at the end of the season, as much as $3,000 extra. This always brings the best rodeo competitors from around the country.”

Tickets for the Poway Rodeo may be purchased online at PowayRodeo.com. The Poway Rodeo is held at the Poway Valley Riders Association arena, 14336 Tierra Bonita Road in Poway.

A favorite annual event in San Diego County since 1973, the 50^th Anniversary of the Poway Rodeo aims to honor the traditions of the Old West and the county lifestyle with a fast-paced, exciting contest sure to thrill and delight viewers of all ages from all walks of life. For more information, visit PowayRodeo.com.